Bouddi National Park

HistoryThe Bouddi National Park, we now take for granted, came about over several decades through the work of a number of individuals.The first reservation of land for public purposes was made in 1876 when all vacant Crown Land on the seaboard between Port Stephens and Jervis Bay was reserved from sale "on account of coal". The reserve extended 20 chains (400 m) back from high water and affected land not alienated to private persons or reserved by the Crown for any public purpose.The dedication of Bouddi as a "Natural Park" followed a campaign by bush walkers, particularly Marie Byles, in the early 1930s. As a result, 650 acres (263 hectares) was set aside in July 1935. The following year it was named Bouddi Natural Park and Mr AA Perry, a fisherman who had a shack at Mainland Bay, was appointed honourary ranger.By 1940, the park covered 975 acres (395 hectares) and was administered by trustees who worked hard to increase its size and preserve it in its natural condition. In 1967, when the National Parks and Wildlife Service was set up, it was renamed Bouddi State Park and in 1974 it became Bouddi National Park. Today, Bouddi National Park continues to grow, thanks to the hard work and vision of people like Allen and Beryl Strom who were strong advocates of the park and worked continuously to lobby the government for more land and the park's marine extension. Bushland at Daleys Point and MacMasters Ridge has been transferred to the NPWS by Gosford City Council under the Coastal Open space System (COSS) as additions to the park.One of the major drawcard is Daleys Point Aboriginal Site. Access is via a gravel road opposite the intersection of Maitland Bay Drive and Wards Hill Rd. Follow this road for 2-3 km. Go straight ahead when the road bends to the right and it will lead to a carpark from whence you can see a rock shelf marked with engravings. Below the outcrop is a shelter where drawings and stencils can be found.Camping informationThere are facilities at Bouddi for day use, lightweight, walk-in camping and limited car-based camping. A fee applies for camping and campers must book in advance through the NPWS regional office. Phone 02 4320 4203.Discovery walksThe NPWS runs a series of walks and activities called "The Discovery Program". A printed program is produced six times a year and is available from the Maitland Bay Centre, by mail from the NPWS office in Gosford. It is also available by email.